The Federation Newsletter Volume 3, Issue 1 October 2010

2009-2011 FFASCNZ Inc. Executive Committee (L-R): Rolyn Demafelis – Secretary, Alice Lozano – Vice-Chairperson, Alfonso Gaerlan – Past

Chairperson/Ex-officio member, H.E. Amb. Bienvenido Tejano, Philippine Ambassador/Ex-officio

member, Cora Noblejas – Treasurer and Norberto Ricacho – Chairperson.

Update from the Chairperson …

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IN THIS ISSUE

<<<<<<>>>>>>

� Update from the Chairperson

� Pistang Pilipino 2010 – Cultural Programme Synopsis

� Update from the Sports & Recreation Portfolio

� Socio-Legal & Welfare Portfolio Update

� Update from the Arts & Culture Portfolio

� Filipino Achievers Award – Local/Regional Level

� 2010 – 2011 Member Organisations

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Pistang Pilipino 2010 sa North Shore heralds the third decade that we have been celebrating the Annual National Filipino Reunion. This Labour Weekend

Event has generated a lot of interest and attention among the various sectors of

our Filipino community in New Zealand and has encouraged various groups to

organise themselves and form sports clubs or cultural groups that would enable

them to participate in the Event.

Although the community has become quite diverse, the needs seem to remain

the same. Of paramount importance to Filipinos is still to be able to maintain a

secured job, to enhance their lifestyles and to preserve the family. While it is

true that we are continually exposed to cultures different from ours, we

Filipinos are happy to stick to one job, to settle in the first locality that we

came to stay upon arrival and when the opportunity comes, to invest in a family

home wishing and hoping that the children will stay forever. Circumstances

beyond our control do sometimes lead to disappointments. The national Labour

Weekend Event therefore can be a good opportunity for us to meet some of our

social, emotional and mental needs as it is a good occasion to become involved as

whole families in sports or cultural events and to establish connectedness with

fellow Filipinos. At the same time, it can provide a comprehensive source of

information on Filipino history or culture which our young Filipinos need if we

wish to preserve the Filipino heritage among the Filipino community.

Sometimes, in our focus to meet our basic and physical needs, we neglect other

dimensions which make us wholly healthy. Hence, the Federation has created

portfolios with the intention that vital needs are addressed.

________________________________________________ 2

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The Socio-Legal & Welfare Portfolio has identified the priority areas which will

be workable given the limited resources that we have. A free and a special

insurance package from an insurance firm can provide needed resources in dire

circumstances to Federation members. We also identified the need to expand

our involvement in local affairs, hence the Networking Committee shall continue

to strive that we become accepted, respected, desired and visible in the

mainstream society and at the national level.

At its inception, one of the Federation’s main objectives was to promote unity.

It is interesting to note that twenty years on, unity remains to be our battlecry.

Why do you think so? Yes, you’re right – discipline. The observance of good

practice can sometimes be hindered by our preoccupation with trying to meet

our basic needs, sacrificing the way we do things and the way we deal with our

fellows. The “end justifies the means” sometimes become the motto knowing

that this can lead to upheavals.

Let us then raise our standards by building on the appreciable attributes and

superior Filipino values that we are proud of – like bayanihan, pakikisama, pagtanaw ng utang na loob, respect for elders and authority and being prayerful. By being conscientious and mindful all the time, I am sure we can achieve the

seemingly elusive aim – UNITY.

Wishing you all a Happy Stay in North Shore – now a part of the new Auckland

Supercity. Thank you for all your support. You’re Welcome.

Norberto Ricacho

President, FFASCNZI

Pistang Pilipino 2010 – Cultural Programme Synopsis

Hosted by the North Shore Filipino Community Inc, the evening programme sets

the stage to relive the celebration of a town fiesta in a typical Filipino fashion,

compete with a banda musika (fiesta marching band), a rondalla, a binibini

contest and a plethora of Filipino performing artists. The ancestry of the

Filipino heritage from the pre-Hispanic through to the contemporary periods is

portrayed in songs, dances and dramatizations reflective of local traditions or a

strong colonial influence.

Witness the alluring metamorphosis of the Filipino culture on Aotea stage.

________________________________________________ 3

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Update from the Sports & Recreation Portfolio By Cora Noblejas

The 2009 reunion saw the first adoption and awarding of the Federation

Championship Shields and the three FFASCNZI Perpetual Cups. We are pleased

to announce the 2009 recipients of the Federation Perpetual Cups and

Championship Shields.

The Federation Excellence Cup was awarded to Wellington Filipino Sports

Association who garnered the most number of 1st Place medals across all

categories and all sports events.

The Federation Participation Cup was likewise awarded to Wellington Filipino

Sports Association. They have the most number of 1st Place, 2nd Place and

3rd Place winners across all categories and all sports events.

Federation Sportsmanship Cup was awarded to Philippine Culture & Sports Inc.

(Christchurch) for demonstrating exceptional sportsmanship during the whole

weekend.

The following are the winners of Federation Sports Shields:

Wellington Filipino Sports Assn Champion – Basketball

Wellington Filipino Sports Assn Champion – Volleyball

Wellington Filipino Sports Assn Champion – Ten Pin Bowling

Wellington Filipino Sports Assn Champion – Golf

Wellington Filipino Sports Assn Champion – Billiards

Wellington Filipino Sports Assn Champion – Badminton

Nelson-Tasman Filipino Community Inc. Champion – TableTennis

Update from the Socio-Legal & Welfare Portfolio By Alice Lozano

Reporting back from the last AGM, the Filipino community continue to grow. I

believe in any part of the country, influx of Filipino immigrants is unstoppable.

Unfortunately, tie with this are social issues of Filipino immigrants are also

increasing. With the creation of the Socio–Legal and Welfare Sub-committee,

the Federation endeavours to assist Filipino immigrants to minimise, if not

totally eliminated, those issues.

Top of the line is the settling. We have identified not everyone had come to

New Zealand with a permanent residency. With the introduction of the work to

residence visas, more uncertainties began to loom for many immigrants. With

this trend and with some complexities, I have recommended to the Executive

Committee that it is now time to put in place a more pragmatic approach by

________________________________________________ 4

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setting up some guidelines dealing with these social concerns of the community.

Paramount to this is to identify up to what capacity the Socio–Legal and Welfare

Sub-committee can assist Filipino migrants taking into consideration certain

limitations that may prohibit the Committee to fully implement its program.

Firstly, as a non-profit organisation, the primary source of income of the

Federation comes from the annual subscription fees of the members. Subject

to the success of the Labour Weekend activities, the host from time to time is

able to donate towards the operating expenses of the Federation. A large

fraction of this income is used when the Executive Committee meets quarterly.

Secondly, with the introduction of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Bill,

there are immigration issues that the Committee will be unable to provide any

advice.

While the last two paragraphs enumerate limitations of the Committee, we are

obliged to advance the welfares of our fellow Filipinos in New Zealand.

In brief, our service guidelines are as follows:

Scope and Coverage

1. The service of the Socio – Legal Sub – committee shall be available to

Filipinos residing in New Zealand.

2. The Committee shall be used as an advocacy and support in the areas of

the following:

a. Post Settlement – Post settlement strategies are in place in most

main cities. The Committee works closely with the different

government agencies and NGOs responsible for this program.

b. Employment

i. Networking and referrals – again the Committee is equipped with

the information of the agencies that migrants can be referred

into seeking employment.

ii. Legal aspects – the Committee equally can assist new immigrants

for few pointers understanding their legal rights on employment

in different phases like before signing the contract, during

employment or before terminating any employment.

iii. Support – can be in a way that a new immigrant could have a

dispute with an employer and as a moral support, the committee

is most willing to act as a support person to ease any tension

during mediation or negotiation. We would work with member

organisation to work out means to best achieve this.

Limitations 1. Due to the structure of the Federation, as an umbrella organisation, the

membership is dispersed around New Zealand. Services are subject to

resources available to the Committee, financially or otherwise. If direct

assistance from the Committee is not viable, the Committee will

endeavour every means to assist those in need. Referral to relevant

organisations or agencies is an option.

2. Services are also subject to any legal implications or conflict of

interests. In the event that any of the two becomes inevitable, the

Committee will have to refer these issues to relevant organisations or

agencies.

________________________________________________ 5

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Implementation If the assistance is required, we suggest the following steps:

1. The first point of contact would be the Filipino organisation operating on

your local community who will liaise with the Federation of the best

approach to deal with the issue.

2. Through the Federation's website www.filipino-federation.org.nz.

There would be links on the site of the contact details for the

Federation.

3. Via Email – only to initiate contact and go from here. Some matters may

be too sensitive to discuss in this form of communication.

Important Notes to Immigrants Integration is important. Whilst we endeavour to know where everyone is, again

Privacy Act is a hurdle to achieve this but we urge new immigrants to reach out

and use every resources available to know your local community.

Update from the Arts & Culture Portfolio By Rolyn Demafelis

The 2009 Bb. Pilipinas-New Zealand was Lorene-Anne Whitburn representing Philippine Culture and Sports Inc. of Christchurch

With the creation of the Arts & Culture Portfolio, the other aspect of our

Pistang Pilipino is also given appropriate focus and guidance. The Bb. Pilipinas –

New Zealand Beauty Pageant Rules and the Sports Rules are now updated to

guide the host in organising these two major activities of our celebration. On

top of this, there is a criteria that will guide any member who intends to host

and organise our annual Labour Weekend reunion dubbed as our Pistang Pilipino.

Requisites of Hosting:

1. Organisation must be a full financial member1 of the Federation for at least

2 years at the time of bidding to host the annual event.

2. If it is a joint hosting, the co-host must also be a full financial member for

at least 2 years at the time of bidding to co-host the annual event.

3. The host must adhere to the policies and guidelines set forth for this event

by the Federation Executive Committee.

4. The host must not alter any rules, e.g., sports and beauty pageant, without

consultation and approval of the Executive Committee.

5. The host should have been active in the past and current Labour Weekend

reunions to be able to understand the intricacies of the event. 1 Refer to the Constitution for the definition of a full financial member.

Process:

1. Bidding is done 3 years before the intended year of hosting. An expression

of interest is made during the Annual General Meeting.

2. A formal written intention to bid must be submitted to the Executive

Committee within 6 months upon verbal expression of intention or within six

months after the AGM.

3. The hosting is to be confirmed in the following AGM which is 2 years before

the intended year of hosting.

4. The host is to present a high level comprehensive plan during the Annual

General Meeting before the year of hosting.

________________________________________________ 6

5. The host will present to the Executive Committee a more detailed draft

plan including the projected financial statement within 3 months after the

recent Labour weekend event.

6. The host will provide a written progress report to the Executive Committee

at least twice after the presentation of the detailed draft plan, i.e.,

scheduled in the months of April and August. Where appropriate, the host

will also provide a verbal progress update to the Executive Committee six

months after the presentation of the detailed draft plan.

7. The host will prepare the final report/financial statement and present to

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the Executive Committee in a debrief meeting within three (3) months

after the event.

Post-Event Requirements:

1. The host shall submit a final report to the Executive Committee within 3

months after the event. The final report should include the final (audited)

financial statement of the project.

2. Where the financial statement shows a positive net income, 10% of the

revenue must be put towards the educational/socio-welfare fund of the

Federation. The 10% of the net revenue shall be given to the Executive

Committee within six (6) months after the annual event.

3. The host shall present to the Executive Committee in a debriefing session to

be attended by the incoming host. This session specifically will provide some

insights to the event with focus on the aspects of the events that have the

most risk which needed close management and control.

4. The host must ensure that sports perpetual trophies and Bb.Pilipinas-NZ

crown are handed over to the Heads of the following portfolios: Sports &

Recreation and Arts & Culture or to the next host at least one month prior

to the event.

5. The host should provide the Executive Members in-charge of the Sports &

Recreation Portfolio and Arts & Culture Portfolio with the list of winners of

all sports category and cultural/beauty pageant within 3 months after the

event.

2010 Filipino Achievers Award & Recognition (Local/Regional Level)

Gladys Stephens received the Award from

Hamilton City Mayor Bob Simcock, at a

ceremony in the Hamilton City Council

Chambers on 11 December 2009 for her

outstanding volunteer work that made her

a service hero. The Hamilton Civic Award

was regarded as one of the city's highest

honours accorded to anyone who has made

an exceptional contribution to Hamilton.

She was one of 13 worthy recipients to receive the Hamilton Civic Awards for

2009. Her outstanding dedication to help and support other people made her a

community service hero which she’s been recognised publicly.

The Federation would like to recognised and congratulate Gladys Stephens for

her excellent volunteer work and valuable contribution to society.

_______________________________________________ 7

FFASCNZ Inc.

Member Organisations

For the year 01 October 2010 – 30 September 2011

No. Organisation Name Year Cert.of

Inc.

Coy Off

Status

Member

Status

No. of

Reps. Region

1 Auckland Filipino Tennis Association

Incorporated (AFTAI) 2003 1353682 Struck-off Associate 1 Auckland

2 BOP Philippine Friendship Society

Incorporated 1995 675616 Registered Full 3

Bay of

Plenty

3 Christchurch Flamingos All Rounder,

Inc. 2008 Un-inc. Associate 1 Canterbury

4 Council of Auckland Philippine

Organisations (CAPO) Inc. 2002 1238405 Registered Full 3 Auckland

5 Cyberclub Filipino Network 2008 Un-inc. Associate 1 Auckland

6 Diario Filipino Trust 2006 1880046 Registered Full 3 Auckland

7 Filipino Association Sports in Tauranga 2010 2538738 Registered Full 3 Tauranga

8 Filipino Herald Trust 2003 1426940 Registered Full 3 Auckland

9 Filipino Sports & Social Group 2010 Un-inc. Associate 1 Wellington

10 Kapiti Filipino Community Un-inc. Associate 1 Wellington

11 Katilingbang Bisaya sa New Zealand

(KBNZ) Inc. 2008 2179238 Registered Full 3 Auckland

12 Look East Trust 2009 Un-inc. Associate 1 Auckland

13 Nelson-Tasman Filipino Community 2008 2146263 Registered Full 3 Nelson

14 NZ Filifest Group 2010 Un-inc. Associate 1 Wellington

15 NZ UP Alumni (Business) Association 2008 Un-inc. Associate 1 Auckland

16 New Zealand Philippines Society Inc. 1987 352446 Registered Full 3 Wellington

17 NZ-Phil Initiatives for Filipinos

Charitable Trust 2007 2063121 Registered Full 3 Auckland

18 North Shore Filipino Community Inc. 1998 925740 Registered Full 3 Auckland

19 Philippine Central Association Inc. 1994 603272 Registered Full 3 Manawatu

20 Philippine Club of Rotorua Inc. 1995 706949 Registered Full 3 Bay of

Plenty

21 Philippine Community of Hawkes Bay 2004 1483750 Registered Full 3 Hawkes

Bay

22 Philippine Culture & Sport 1997 842185 Registered Full 3 Canterbury

23 Philippine Society of Canterbury Inc. 1989 387422 Registered Full 3 Canterbury

24 Pinoy Basketball sa Auckland 2004 1522919 Registered Full 3 Auckland

25 Pinoy Cantabrians Sports Club Inc. 2007 1964422 Registered Full 3 Canterbury

26 Pinoy Golfers Club Auckland Inc. 2002 1249643 Registered Full 3 Auckland

27 Pinoy Pool Players Association of New

Zealand Inc. 2003 1344006 Struck-off Associate 1 Auckland

________________________________________________ 8

FFASCNZ Inc. and Red Seal Natural Health

working together for a better-quality Filipino community

and well-being.

FFASCNZ Inc. Member Organisations

For the year 01 October 2010 – 30 September 2011

No. Organisation Name Year Cert.of

Inc.

Coy Off

Status

Member

Status

No. of

Reps. Region

28 Queenstown Assn of Migrant Pinoys

Inc. 2008 2161864 Registered Full 3 Queenstown

29 Taranaki Filipino Society Inc. 1994 614866 Registered Full 3 Taranaki

30 Taupo Filipino Club Inc. 2008 2180596 Registered Full 3 Taupo

31 Tauranga Filipino Society Inc. 1994 649814 Registered Full 3 Bay of Plenty

32 The Filipino Sports & Recreation Inc.

(FILSARI) 2002 1201074 Registered Full 3 Auckland

33 The Filipino Ten Pin NZ Inc. 2009 2260356 Registered Full 3 Auckland

34 The Filipino Society Incorporated 1991 497254 Registered Full 3 Auckland

35 The Mabuhay Association 1991 499341 Registered Full 3 Wellington

36 The Manawatu & Districts Filipino -

Kiwi Association 2008 2101226 Registered Full 3 Manawatu

37 United Pinoy Associations of Wellington

Trust (UPWell Trust) 2002 1193745 Registered Full 3 Wellington

38 Wanganui Filipino Association 2008 Un-inc. Associate 1 Manawatu

39 Waikato Filipino Association Charitable

Trust 2001 1180562 Registered Full 3 Waikato

40 Waitakere Filipino Arts Guild

Charitable Trust 2007 2004154 Registered Full 3 Auckland

41 Wellington Filipino Sports Association

Inc. 1999 983678 Registered Full 3 Wellington

42 Wellington International Filipino

Society Inc. 2002 1216095 Registered Full 3 Wellington

43 Whangarei Filipino Society Inc. 1993 599426 Registered Full 3 Bay of

Islands